Privacy Policy
How IPAN collects, uses, and protects your personal information
1. Our Commitment to Privacy
The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in an open and transparent manner. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the thirteen Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
By using our website or becoming a member of IPAN, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this Policy.
2. About IPAN
IPAN is a not-for-profit network of organisations and individuals advocating for an independent and peaceful Australian foreign policy. Our website is located at ipan.au. You can contact us at info@ipan.org.au.
3. What Personal Information We Collect
We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our functions and activities. This may include:
- Identity information: Full name, organisation name (if applicable);
- Contact information: Email address, phone number, postal address;
- Membership information: Membership type, payment history, renewal dates;
- Event information: Event registrations, attendance records;
- Donation information: Donation amounts, dates, and payment method details (processed securely through our payment provider);
- Preferences: Areas of interest, communication preferences;
- Website usage data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and cookies (see Section 10).
We do not collect sensitive information (such as racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, health information, or financial account details) unless it is directly relevant and you have given explicit consent, or collection is required or authorised by law.
4. How We Collect Personal Information
We collect personal information in the following ways:
- Directly from you when you complete our membership application, event registration, donation, or contact forms;
- When you subscribe to our newsletter or other communications;
- When you contact us by email, phone, or post;
- Automatically through our website (cookies and analytics — see Section 10);
- From third parties such as payment processors, where necessary to complete a transaction.
5. Why We Collect and Use Personal Information
We collect and use your personal information for the following purposes:
- To process and manage your membership application and renewal;
- To process donations and issue receipts;
- To send you newsletters, campaign updates, and event invitations (where you have consented);
- To manage event registrations and attendance;
- To respond to your enquiries and provide support;
- To comply with our legal and financial obligations;
- To improve our website and services;
- For internal reporting and planning purposes.
We will not use your personal information for any purpose that is incompatible with the purpose for which it was collected without your consent.
6. Disclosure of Personal Information
IPAN does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may disclose your information to:
- Service providers: Third-party providers who assist us in operating our website, processing payments, sending emails, or managing member data (e.g., payment processors, email platforms). These providers are bound by confidentiality obligations;
- IPAN member organisations: Aggregated, non-identifiable statistical information may be shared with member organisations for reporting purposes;
- Legal requirements: Where required or authorised by law, including to law enforcement agencies or courts;
- Your consent: Where you have specifically consented to a particular disclosure.
IPAN does not disclose personal information to overseas recipients unless required by law or you have consented.
7. Data Security
IPAN takes reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These steps include:
- Secure HTTPS encryption on our website;
- Access controls limiting who can access member data;
- Secure storage of data on protected servers;
- Use of reputable, PCI-DSS compliant payment processors for financial transactions (IPAN does not store card details).
While we take reasonable precautions, no data transmission over the internet is completely secure. You provide information at your own risk.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. When your information is no longer needed, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify it securely. Membership records are typically retained for seven years after membership ends for legal and financial compliance purposes.
9. Your Rights — Access and Correction
Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you;
- Correct any personal information that is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, or misleading;
- Opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time;
- Make a complaint about how we have handled your personal information.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@ipan.org.au. We will respond within 30 days. In some circumstances, we may be unable to provide access (for example, where providing access would unreasonably impact the privacy of another individual). We will explain any such refusal in writing.
10. Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses cookies — small text files stored on your device — to improve your browsing experience and analyse website traffic. We use:
- Essential cookies: Required for the website to function (e.g., session management, form security tokens);
- Analytics cookies: To understand how visitors use our site (e.g., Google Analytics). This data is aggregated and anonymised.
You can disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality. We do not use cookies for advertising or tracking across third-party websites.
11. Links to Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. IPAN is not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites and encourages you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
12. Children's Privacy
Our website and membership are intended for individuals aged 16 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.
13. Complaints
If you believe IPAN has breached the Australian Privacy Principles or this Privacy Policy, you may lodge a complaint with us at info@ipan.org.au. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days and endeavour to resolve it within 30 days.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or by calling 1300 363 992.
14. Changes to This Policy
IPAN may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our website with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Material changes will be notified to members by email.
15. Contact Us
For any privacy-related enquiries, please contact:
Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN)
Email: info@ipan.org.au
Website: ipan.au
